Galaxy Fold vs. Huawei Mate X: Comparing the First Foldable Phones

This article has been updated as of May 15, 2019.

Foldable cell phones are scheduled to make a comeback in 2019. Much different from old-school flip phones, these new devices are taking a sleeker, more refined form. They can fold inward or outward, down the center, or on two sides. At the surface, they look like a standard smartphone with a fully-functional HD screen. But, once you extend one of these devices into its tablet form, you see why they’ll sell for a hefty price. Their functionality parallels that of a tablet while its convenience and flexibility are more on par with the modern smartphone. In the next few months, Samsung and Huawei will both debut their own “phablets,” hopefully setting a new standard for the future of hybrid technology. CPR Cell Phone Repair examines the two foldable phones, the Galaxy Fold vs. Huawei Mate X, and offers its comparisons on specs, functionality, and more.

Foldable Phone Showdown: Galaxy Fold vs. Huawei Mate X

First, we cut cords off our landlines. Then we eliminated keypads from our mobile devices. Next, we’ll be folding- not just bending- our smartphones in all different directions. The latest pioneers in the world of innovation are expected to hit the market in 2019. Let’s compare the first two foldable phones that will blaze the path for similar devices to come. 

Design

The most noticeable difference between the Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X is their range of mobility. Both devices give off the appearance of a smartphone until they’re flipped open. But, whereas the Fold is comparable to opening a book (from the inside out), the Mate X’s extends from the outside in. The Fold assumes a dual-size screen after opening, in which it can support three-app multitasking. The Mate X’s front screen hugs its frame and then flips away from itself. The tablet display of each device is activated when the screen fully extends.

The Fold is held together by a notch, which rests at the back of its screen. The Mate X, on the other hand, is held together by a “wing” found at the rear of the device’s center, allowing users to maintain a single-handed grip. Both the notch and the wing prove to be comfortable and efficient in stabilizing their respective devices.

Display: Screen Size, Resolution, and More

The Galaxy Fold sports a 4.6-inch exterior screen (1960×840 pixels), and a 7.3-inch screen (2152×1536 pixels) as the phone extends. Its Infinity Flex Display, an HD+ Super AMOLED panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio, allows users to flex and fold the device. The inner display is a 7.3-inch QXGA+ Dyanic AMOLED canvas with a form factor of 4.2:3.

Huawei’s Mate X has three different screens: a front screen, a rear screen, and a tablet screen. Unfolded, Huawei’s Mate X shows off a flexible OLED display 8-inches in size and shrinks to either a 6.6-inch or 6.38-inch smartphone depending on the direction the user holds the device. Once folded, the front screen clasps into a holder that can be released once pressing a button. Below is the size and resolution for each screen:

• Front: 6.60 inches; 1148×2480 pixels
• Rear: 6.38 inches; 892×2480 pixels
• Tablet: 8.00 inches; 2200×2480 pixels

Camera

Both amateur photographers and camera aficionados can appreciate the Fold’s six camera modules– three on the back, two inside, and one on the front cover, all ranging between eight and 16 megapixels. Its rear cameras feature dual aperture wide-angle, telephoto with OIS, and 2x optical zoom. Plus, the front dons an RGB depth camera.

Like Samsung, Huawei didn’t skimp on camera quality either. The design features a screen on both sides of the folded Huawei Mate X, allowing you to see a live view of yourself as someone snaps a picture from the front camera. In addition, its four lenses are equipped with Huawei’s newest camera package, P30, capable of capturing 10x optical zoom.

Battery

There are lots of speculation regarding the quality of battery life for these new foldable devices. Due to the complexity of the devices’ make-up, it was anticipated to see how manufacturers brought this essential feature to life. Galaxy’s model features 512GB of onboard storage and a dual battery system with a combined 4,380 mAh capacity. Huawei Mate X also has a dual battery that is slightly more advanced at 4500 mAh capacity. The Mate X can charge up from zero percent to 85 percent in just 30 minutes through 55W SuperCharge tech, its newest battery processor.

Our Verdict

The Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X are expected to arrive in 2019. Once these devices roll out, there will be more of a definitive answer as to which is the better foldable phone. But, it ultimately boils down to your personal needs and preferences when it comes to choosing the right cell phone. Consider what features are most important to you, and do your research to find a compatible device.

If you decide to invest in either the Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X, never fear a break! With over 750 locations across the world, CPR Cell Phone Repair is there to save your mobile life in a time of need. Get started by finding the closest CPR store near you!